Type of Hosting Needed: In this review, we focused on the entry-level plans, which are often shared server plans. However, there are numerous other types of plans like dedicated hosting and VPS hosting. Determine which plan you will need now and in the future. If you think you will need a more advanced type of hosting in the future, make sure the company you choose offers it.
Pricing and Plans: The cost and pricing schemes run the gamut. Some are more bare-bones plans for fewer pounds, while others will cost more but make features free. If you suspect you will need a more advanced plan down the line, do be aware that add-ons might end up costing you more in the end.
Technical Expertise: If you don’t have a lot of technical skills, then you will want a company that has dedicated, experienced customer service. There are also a host of other offerings for beginners including website migration and 1:1 consulting. Be sure to also look for user-friendly hosting services not geared toward less tech-savvy individuals.
Customer Support: As mentioned, for anyone new to using a hosting service, this is one of the most important factors to consider. Your site is being run on a server that you don’t have access to and can’t do anything to change. It is imperative to verify that the hosting provider is accessible and responsive should anything happen to your site. Customer reviews can help evaluate the level of customer service.
Storage and Bandwidth: This will be an important factor for high-traffic and e-commerce sites. The average hosting service will have sufficient amounts, but make sure that your business won’t suffer due to the plan you choose.
Reputation and Reviews: There is a lot of information out there about people’s positive – and negative– experiences with web hosting services. They should all be taken with a grain of salt, though their overall reputation should be able to help where they excel and fall short.
Security Needs: Security is important for any website. Some security measures to look for include SSL certificates, automated backups, and web application firewalls.
